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Adult Basic Education/GED

Adult Basic Education (ABE) is available statewide at no cost to adult learners and is administered through the Minnesota Department of Education. Each year, over 500 delivery sites serve approximately 75,000 adult students. About one-half of whom are enrolled in English Learner (EL) programs. Licensed teachers provide ABE instruction and are assisted by more than 3,000 trained volunteers.

Last session, the Minnesota Legislature raised the K-12 age of compulsory attendance from 16 to 17, effective the beginning of the 2014-15 school year. That means, as of August 16, 2014, to be eligible for ABE services, you must be 17 years old or older, not enrolled in K-12 public or private school, and lack basic academic skills in one or more of the following areas: reading, writing, speaking and/or mathematics.

The ABE curriculum umbrella includes Adult Diploma, GED, English as a Second Language (ESL or EL), Family Literacy, Basic Skills Enhancement, Workplace Literacy, and U.S. Citizenship/Civics. Programs are delivered primarily through public school districts as well as through non-profit organizations, some technical colleges and state and local correctional institutions.

Resources related to Minnesota's Adult Basic Education and GED programs, including local contacts, policy, administration resources, and professional development opportunities can be found on the Minnesota Literacy Council website. Select the link provided under resources.

General Educational Development (GED) TestIn Minnesota, individuals who do not have a high school diploma may be able to earn a State of Minnesota GED Diploma by passing the General Educational Development Test. The four tests in the GED battery measure academic competencies similar to many of those required of a Minnesota high school graduate.

Minnesota residents who are not currently enrolled in high school and are at least 19 years of age (or at least 16 through August 15, 2014, and have obtained an age waiver) are eligible to take the GED. The minimum age changes to 17 as of August 16, 2014, due to recently passed legislation. You will also need a valid, current government-issued photo ID. Warning Regarding Misleading GED ClaimsThe state of Minnesota GED Diploma can be neither earned nor obtained via the Internet or through correspondence programs. The Tests of General Educational Development developed by the GED Testing Service® often require extensive preparation and/or the demonstration of a high level of high school knowledge and academic skills. Tests are administered only at Pearson Vue Testing Centers under the direction of Pearson Vue® and the GED Testing Service. Any other GED diploma or “high school equivalency certificate” not issued by the Minnesota Department of Education may not be accepted by employers, colleges and universities or the military.

GED® and the GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education® and may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the American Council on Education®.

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Featured News

STEM Forum and Expo, May 20-23!

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is hosting their national STEM forum in Minnesota in May. This unique, STEM-focused event is where educators gather to share tools and resources for implementing STEM education into schools and communities. What makes this event so different? The people presenting! One of whom is our own Doug Paulson, agency STEM Specialist. Visit NSTA site to learn more.